South East Queensland: Strong and Smarter
A Market to Lead, Not Fear
As the market continues to shift and change with the economic volatility – it is business as usual for Holmes & Co Auctioneers and for our real estate partners. If there is anything that the last few years has taught us, it’s that South East Queensland isn’t just resilient, it’s continually evolving.
Recent data from highlights that Brisbane dwelling values have surged 17.3% year-on-year to early 2026, significantly outperforming the national average of 9.9%.
But this isn’t a runaway boom, it’s something more nuanced.
We’re now operating in a market defined by steady growth and selective conditions. Buyers are active, but they’re sharper. Sellers are well-positioned, but outcomes depend more than ever on strategy and execution.
For agents, that shift matters.
The Reality: Demand Is There, But It’s Discerning
Across South East Queensland, the fundamentals remain compelling:
Population growth continues to underpin demand
Housing supply remains tight
Lifestyle-driven migration is still strong
But here’s the key shift:
👉 Buyers are no longer competing blindly, they’re competing selectively.
Well-presented, well-located properties are still achieving excellent results. Others? They’re sitting longer, negotiating harder, or missing their moment.
This is where the conversation about method of sale becomes critical.
Why Auctions Are Built for This Market
At Holmes & Co Auctioneers, we see markets like this not as challenging, but as ideal for auctions.
Why?
Because selective markets reward:
1. Transparency
Buyers want clarity. Auctions provide it, no guesswork, no drawn-out negotiations.
2. Competition Where It Matters
When demand is fragmented, auctions consolidate it, bringing all interested parties together at one decisive moment.
3. Time Pressure
In a market where hesitation is growing, auctions create urgency that private treaty simply can’t replicate.
4. Premium Outcomes for Standout Properties
The data is clear: quality homes are still performing strongly. Auctions ensure those properties realise their full competitive potential.
The Opportunity for Agents
This isn’t a market to fear, it’s a market to lead.
Agents who thrive in 2026 will be those who:
Lean into strategy, not just listing volume
Educate vendors on buyer psychology
Match the right campaign to the right property
And increasingly, that means knowing when to recommend auction.
Because in a selective environment:
The difference between a good result and a great one often comes down to how you take a property to market, not just that you take it.
Encouragement for the Industry
Let’s be clear, South East Queensland remains one of Australia’s standout regions.
With nearly 4 million residents and continued growth driven by migration and infrastructure, the long-term outlook is exceptionally strong.
But markets evolve and so must we.
Auctions aren’t just for booming conditions. In fact, they often perform best in balanced or selective markets, where strategy, competition, and timing make the difference.
Final Word from Holmes & Co
To every agent navigating this market:
This is your moment to step forward as a trusted advisor, not just a facilitator.
Lean into the data.
Understand buyer behaviour.
And don’t be afraid to recommend the method that delivers certainty, competition, and confidence.
Because when the market becomes more selective…